Updated: Natasha Richardson dies, aged 45

The British actress passed away from injuries sustained in a skiing accident, her husband Liam Neeson's publicist confirmed.

"Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha," said Alan Nierob.

"They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time."

Her family yesterday gathered at Lenox Hill hospital in New York, where she had been transferred from Canada, amid reports that she had been taken off life support.

Richardson was hurt in a fall during a beginners' skiing lesson at the luxury Mont Tremblant resort in Quebec on Monday. Several news outlets later suggested that she was "brain dead" after suffering serious head injuries.

Neeson, 56, flew to her side from the set of his new film Chloe in Toronto after hearing of the accident. Her mom Vanessa Redgrave, 72, sister Joely Richardson, ex-husband Robert Fox and aunt Lynn Redgrave also gathered at Lenox Hill along with her sons Michael, 13, and Daniel, 12.

Richardson, who lived in New York with her family, showed no obvious sign of injury after the fall, according to a Mont Tremblant spokesperson. However, the ski patrol took her back to the bottom of the slope and told her to see a doctor.

She was taken to hospital about an hour later after complaining of a headache.